The scene included the collapse of the 12 Nutmeg Drive two-story home about two hours into the fire as well as a Gales Ferry ladder truck sliding into a snow bank. Firefighters had to surmount a steep driveway and six fell on the driveway’s ice, suffering minor injuries, Saccone said. A seventh firefighter got foam in his eyes and received flushing treatment from ambulance workers, the chief said.

Five tanker trucks were called in from neighboring departments with tankers and other vehicles having to navigate a one-lane roadway because of huge snowpiles left by Blizzard Nemo. A lack of hydrants in the area forced firefighters to extend hoses 300 yards, Saccone said. Electricity was out in the area, which actually improved safety for the firefighters, the chief said.

All five occupants of the home escaped unharmed and were given food and clothing assistance by the Red Cross. The fire was reported around 11:30 p.m. Saturday and was completed extinguished around 8 a.m. Sunday, Saccone said. The cause is still under investigation.